Recover From A Bad Interview

Interviewing for a new position is never easy. Even if you’re the right candidate, there are just so many things that can go wrong such as schedule mix-ups causing you to arrive late, anxious behavior and miscommunications that make you seem either incompetent, arrogant or just a poor fit with the company. A bad interview can greatly diminish your chances of getting the job, but it’s possible to bounce back as long as you keep your cool and use all the tools at your disposal. If you’ve failed to connect with your potential employer but you’re still convinced the position is right for you, these tips will help you recover from a bad interview and secure the job of your dreams.

Make a written assessment

Don’t let anxiety cloud your judgment. If you want to recover from a bad interview, the first thing you need to do is evaluate the situation objectively. Write down everything you believe went wrong during the meeting. This includes misunderstood questions, unconvincing embellishments and important points you forgot to mention. Once your list is completed, identify ways to fix your various mistakes.

This method is also useful to find out whether you’re really to blame for your poor performance. Sometimes the real problem lies with the interviewer, which is one of the signs you don’t want the job. If you have contacts within the company, ask them to find out more details including the extent of the damage. They may even be in a position to put in a good word for you.

Follow up with the interviewer

Depending on the urgency of the situation, you may want to telephone the interviewer to clarify some of your blunders. However, you should wait at least 24 hours before doing so to avoid coming off as a neurotic. When you call, thank the employer for having met with you and casually segue into one of the topics listed on your written assessment.

A more common way to follow up is to send a thank-you letter or e-mail. This correspondence can help you recover from a bad interview by creating a new opportunity for you to sell yourself and compensate for earlier mistakes. If you’re desperate, you can hint at your availability to meet again, but don’t mention a second interview just yet. It’s best to turn your potential employer around without asking for a do-over.

Ask for a second interview

If the previous steps failed or you feel the situation demands drastic measures, then it’s time to go for broke. Your only chance to recover from a bad interview now is to phone your potential employer and ask for a second chance. However, you should avoid making this request by e-mail. It’s typically harder for interviewers to turn you down when they’re actually speaking with you.

Don't worry, you can recover from a bad interview with a few more important steps...